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Audi A1 vs Mercedes GLA comparison

Compare performance (207 HP vs 421 HP), boot space and price (20,000 £ vs 38,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A1 or Mercedes GLA?

Audi A1 vs Mercedes GLA: Key differences

Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
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Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
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  • considerably more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

A1

The Hatchback Star: Audi A1

The Audi A1 establishes itself as a strong contender in the compact hatchback category, embodying a blend of efficiency, style, and performance. Its 2024 model is designed to cater to urbanites who crave sophistication without compromising on practicality.

Under the hood, the Audi A1 offers a range of petrol engines, providing a power spectrum from 95 to 207 HP. These engines ensure efficiency with varying consumption levels, approximately ranging from 5.3 to 6.5 L/100km. Coupled with either a manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission, the A1 promises a versatile driving experience.

The model is proudly front-wheel drive, maintaining a sporty edge with a max speed reaching up to 245 km/h and a swift acceleration from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 6.5 seconds. Its compact dimensions, with a length of approximately 4040 mm, make it a perfect companion for the urban jungle, merging seamlessly into tight parking spots with ease.

The Audi A1 also champions practicality with a fuel tank capacity of 40 liters and a reasonable trunk capacity of 335 liters, meeting the general needs of a modern driver. It seats five passengers comfortably, blending functionality with the sleek design signature of Audi's artisanship.

GLA

Powerful Elegance: Mercedes GLA

In contrast, the Mercedes GLA impresses with its allure as an SUV marrying luxury with utility. For the 2024/2025 model years, it showcases an array of engine options, including petrol, mild hybrids, diesels, and plugin hybrid varieties. These configurations afford consumers a stretch of power outputs ranging from 116 to an exhilarating 421 HP.

A hallmark of versatility, the GLA comes with a dual-clutch automatic transmission and offers both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Its robust engineering facilitates a maximum speed potential of up to 270 km/h, partnered with a dynamic acceleration sprint from 0-100 km/h in as little as 4.3 seconds.

With consuming variations from around 1 L/100km in hybrid modes to 9.5 L/100km in standard petrol versions, it harmoniously aligns efficiency with robust performance. Additionally, the plugin hybrid variants offer an electric range of up to 74 kilometers, underscoring Mercedes' commitment to eco-friendliness without forfeiting luxury.

The GLA stands out with its larger frame, approximately 4440 mm in length, coupling this with modern aesthetics and aerodynamics. It possesses a generous trunk capacity of up to 435 liters, ensuring functionality matches its stylish persona. The GLA seats five passengers in a plush environment, ensuring every journey is a benchmark in comfort.

A1

Conclusion: Audi A1 vs. Mercedes GLA

For drivers seeking a nimble, urban hatchback, the Audi A1 represents an ideal choice, emphasizing fuel efficiency, compact design, and a spirited drive. Alternatively, for those desiring the commanding presence of an SUV with luxurious nuances and environmental consciousness, the Mercedes GLA stands out as a compelling option.

Ultimately, both the Audi A1 and Mercedes GLA are reflections of their respective manufacturer's dedication to innovation, performance, and design, allowing consumers the luxury of choice tailored to their specific lifestyle needs.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
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The Mercedes GLA and the VW T‑Roc are compact crossover SUVs that aim to deliver city-friendly size with SUV practicality, but they take different approaches to luxury, technology and driving character. Choose the GLA if you prioritise a plush interior and refined on-road manners; pick the T‑Roc …

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A1

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Audi A1 is clearly cheaper – starting at 20,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,865 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Audi A1 with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 2.3 L/100km.

GLA

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes GLA offers considerably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 214 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the Audi A1 takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm more.

A1

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi A1 is visibly lighter – 1,175 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 395 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers noticeably more boot space – 435 L compared to 335 L. That’s a difference of about 100 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLA carries marginally more – 500 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 74 km
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Audi A1
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Audi A1

The Audi A1 is a compact premium hatch that wraps Audi's polished design and surprisingly grown-up cabin into a city-friendly package. It’s poised and fun to drive, a smart pick for buyers who want luxury flair without the fuss of a bigger car — and it makes tight parking feel almost enjoyable.

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Reviews Audi A1

2.4 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.

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Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Audi A1 and Peugeot 208 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Audi A1 or the Peugeot 208 is …
Lexus LBX
Mercedes GLA
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The Lexus LBX and Mercedes GLA are compact premium crossovers that target urban buyers who want a blend of style, comfort and compact practicality. The LBX emphasizes Lexus refinement and a plush ride, while the GLA leans toward sharper handling, a sportier drive and a more tech-focused cabin.
Audi A1
Mercedes GLA

Costs and Consumption
Price
20,000 - 28,800 £
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 6.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
74 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
118 - 146 g/km
co2
66 - 216 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,175 - 1,365 kg
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Trunk capacity
335 L
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,740 - 1,756 mm
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 470 kg
Payload
480 - 500 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 207 HP
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 11.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
175 - 320 Nm
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
70 - 152 kW
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Audi A1 have?

The Audi A1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.